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Thermal Properties
HDPE can withstand temperatures up to 120 degrees Fahrenheit (120 Celsius) and as low as -148 Fahrenheit (-100 Celsius). This makes it the ideal material mechanically for transporting hot and cold substances as well as geothermal heat and pressurized liquids. Its melting point is at 266 Fahrenheit (130 Celsius). This is also useful in manufacturing as the material can be shaped and molded at relatively low temperatures.
Density
As expected HDPE has a higher density than standard polyethylene, with a rating of around 0.950 grams per cubic centimeter. This means its atomic structure is much more closely packed than other substances with a lower rating, allowing HDPE to withstand higher pressures without breaking.
Tensile Strength
Tensile strength refers to how much pressure a piece of material can withstand before breaking or ripping into two parts. The tensile strength of HDPE is commonly between 3,000 and 3,500 pounds per square inch (psi). This also allows it to deal with the transportation of high pressure substances and be easily manufactured into shapes without risk of damaging the materials structure.
Hardness
HDPE has a hardness rating of SD65, with the SD standing for standard deviation. Due to its high density, HDPE is very rigid and hard so it will not deform. The hardness rating on its own is not a particularly impressive value, but combined with its tensile strength and density allows the physical structure of HDPE to remain strong when being manufactured for specific applications and during usage.